Feds move in on elite iPad email leak

The FBI has moved in to investigate the leaking of email details for the most important tech users in the world - iPad 3G owners.

AT&T admitted on Wednesday that a data breach meant hackers had been able to access the email addresses and ICC-IDs of its iPad 3G owning customers - all 114,000 of them.

ValleyWag helpfully published some of the names, which include New York Mayor Bloomberg, and Obama right fist man Rahm Emanuel.

It's not clear that the hackers could have done with the info, besides expose America's political and cultural elite as a bunch of brand-following fanbois.

Either way, the breach had the double effect of giving iPad owners the willies while also reassuring them what good company they keep.

With such elite subjects, it's no surprise the FBI has gotten involved. "The FBI is aware of these possible computer intrusions and has opened an investigation to address this potential cyberthreat," an FBI spokeswoman told AFP.

While AT&T is apologising profusely and has closed the hole which allowed hackers to cream off the information, it appears its troubles are just beginning.

The FCC's public safety office chief expressed "concern" over the breach.

"This breach underscores the need for robust cyber security," retired rear admiral Jamie Barnett, said. "The FCC will continue to work with all stakeholders to prevent future security breaches that violate consumer privacy and undermine trust in America's communications infrastructure."

While annoying rear admirals are one thing, pissing off the great and the good of US politics and media is quite another. And that's before we even consider how pissed Steve is going to be. ®